I love the Madison Square Park neighborhood where my showroom is located.  An oasis anchored by the amazing Flatiron Building (my favorite NY landmark!), between 5th Avenue and Madison from 23rd to 26th Sts., this neighborhood has transformed itself over the past years.  Lots to see, good restaurants from chic (A Voce, Tabla – my favorites at the moment) to cuban sandwiches on 23rd and The Shake Shack in the park, it’s worth spending a little time and just taking a break.

Walking through the park on my way from the 23rd St. subway, regardless of the weather, is always a total pleasure.  Just the right size and featuring revolving art exhibits and events, I never fail to see something new. Summertime is special. The dog run, kids with their moms or nannies in the playground, everyone from nearby offices to tourists lunching on the benches – all surrounded by lush lawn, big trees and gorgeous flowering plants.  The fountain near the south entrance is especially beautiful this time of year!

Now, since March, the British sculptor Anthony Gormley’s 31 life size human figures have been hanging out on the street and high on top of buildings (some people think they look like they’re about to jump!).  The figures themselves are great but the reactions of passers by even more entertaining!

Come take a stroll around the neighborhood.  You’ll discover a wonderful part of town.

26th & Madison

23rd & 5th crossing to the park

looking down!

23rd St. looking toward The Flatiron Bldg.

Madison Square Park

George Watts & Son, Inc. – my family’s beautiful tabletop store since 1870! – has a fabulous Tea Shop where they bake English Muffins every morning.  So delicious.  I bring them home to NY every time I visit Milwaukee and they are the most desired ’souvenir’ for all my friends.  www.georgewatts.com

NY FEBRUARY 2010

ODIOT, France’s oldest silversmith, teamed with Paris based artist Mattia Bonetti resulting in a glamorous and whimsical trio of vases. www.odiot.com The president of Krug champagne  found one of these vases a ‘perfect assemblage’ of  silver and gold mirroring the house’s technique of assembling  their exquisite champagne, immediately dubbing it the perfect  champagne bucket. www.krug.com A showcase of Bonetti’s designs launched this month at the Paul Kasim Gallery in NY.  Sipping Krug, launch party attendees were dazzled by Bonetti’s exuberant furniture and accessories.  www.paulkasmingallery.com

NY FEBRUARY 2010

The Silver Peacock, an intimate and inviting new shop on Park Ave., celebrated Valentine’s Day with a special display of  L’ORFEVRERIE D’ANJOU pewter champagne buckets – the perfect gift for any special occasion along with a bottle of your favorite bubbly. www.lorfevreriedanjou.com Charlie Akwa and her partner, Jennifer Flanders, opened in October with a shop filled with an eclectic mix of the most fabulous tableware, linens, home accessories and gifts in a setting that makes you want to stay for hours and play agree!

Great marketing idea – Charlie filled the window of a neighborhood wine shop with more romantic buckets and flutes.

PARIS JANUARY 2010

‘RETOUR D’EGYPTE’ REDUX

Marc Pascual, the talented designer who ‘is’ POC A POC created a contemporary interpretation of a 19^th century Napoleonic service.  Commissioned for a special exhibit at the Paris Museum of the Legion d’Honneur in December, Marc took iconic historical images and translated them into a stunning new look for today.

Marc’s stand in Hall 3 during Maison & Objet was an alluring reflection of his color aesthetic and creativity. The perfect showcase for an ever-evolving Poc a Poc collection.

BERLIN JANUARY 2010

HERING BERLIN’s Stephanie Hering and Wiebke Lehmann hosted their agents and distributors during a delicious feast at Berlin’s renowned Margaux restaurant.  Chef Michael Hoffmann’s choice of Hering-Berlin porcelain was the perfect frame for the fabulous cuisine.  www.hering-berlin.de